Blogging the beginning of Chicago's Christian Science fellowship

Posts Tagged ‘fellowship’

With the Midwest Summit just around the corner, today’s Gathering focused on vibrancy, fellowship, and change and growth in the context of healing. These three topics were high on the Summit survey results sent to church liaisons. Here are a few ideas shared this afternoon.

Linda feels the Summit ties directly into Mrs. Eddy’s 1888 letter to the Chicago churches, where she writes of coming “…together to minister and to be ministered unto; mutually to aid one another in finding ways and means for helping the whole human family…” (Mis 98:9)

Bruce Springsteen lyrics: "I'll wait for you; if I fall behind, you wait for me." This is how a church fellowships. Each member's steps are at different places. So we wait lovingly, patiently, for one another.

Vibrancy. George spoke of the vibrancy of services in the prisons and mental health facilities. Vibrancy often springs from a bad beginning — a TV blaring in the background, or staff constantly moving to and fro. Yet the Holy Ghost is so clearly present. The attendees are deeply engaged and the services are exciting. He often leaves these services thinking, “Yes! this is what church is about!” (more…)

Jacob and Easu’s reconciliation story sparked a lively discussion. Rindy asked, Do we have to suffer as Jacob did – near panic that Esau would kill him?

Barb M. said, When we are following our highest sense of right, the path is easier. When we try to do things our own way and leave God out, it can be distressing. There is always a need for repentance. Jacob had to repent of his greed. Zacchaeus, in another story, had to repent of his greed. Someone pointed out that Esau was healed too — of his determination for revenge.

Ginny, Carol, Barb O, and Barb M.

The Gentle Art of Blessing (February’s book club selection) seemed to have a direct tie-in to this Bible lesson. Rindy asked, “If we think of the people we judge — how would it be to replace that with acceptance?”

Shirley told a story that had been the catalyst for her to commit to spiritual healing. The story told of family who responded with love and kindness when a willful girl accidentally ruined her older sister’s only good dress. It made Shirley face squarely (more…)

Several enthusiastic January Book Club participants have requested knowing in advance the titles for the next several months. To accommodate these requests, book club selections through June are listed below.

If you would like to note the dates on your calendars, book clubs will be the third Sunday evening of each month, 7 – 8:30 pm CT.

Please also note: there is no automatic sign-up. If you wish to participate in any given month, please be sure to let us know! (more…)

Sometimes those who are familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order appear to use it to squash discussion. People asking honest questions sometimes don’t have an opportunity to hear those questions discussed.

This Gathering found us sitting in one large circle, rather than breaking into smaller discussion groups. People appreciated hearing good ideas from everyone, which generated considerable thoughtful discussion. So much so that Rindy could hardly get a word in edgewise when it was time to close!

Bonniesue sang and George played the keyboard to John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem about the bold love that folds all mankind into our own hearts.

Rindy, our trusty MC, began by asking, “What is worship?” And here are several of the comments that followed. (more…)